Yorkshire Wildlife Park Welcomes Bindi, a New Crowned Lemur—Here’s Why That Matters

The Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) has a new resident, and she’s already making a big impression. Bindi, a 12-year-old crowned lemur, has arrived from Suffolk and is settling into her new home in Lemur Woods. But she’s not just here for the scenery—Bindi is part of a crucial conservation effort to help protect her endangered species.

A Valentine's Day Introduction

Bindi’s big move came with a romantic twist. On Valentine’s Day, she was introduced to Loko, a crowned lemur already living at the park. The pairing wasn’t just for fun—it was carefully planned by the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), which works to ensure the survival of rare species in captivity and the wild.

YWP’s Director of Animals, Charlotte MacDonald, shared her excitement:

“We are delighted to welcome Bindi to the park. It is great to see how easily she has settled into the woodland area. She has quite a sassy personality, and this is her first time being mixed with other lemur species, but everything has gone really well.”

That sassiness isn’t unusual. In the lemur world, females rule the roost. They choose their mates and aren’t afraid to chase off any males who don’t meet their standards. Luckily, Bindi and Loko seem to be getting along well, which is a great sign for potential future baby lemurs.

Why Crowned Lemurs Need Help

Crowned lemurs are easy to spot thanks to the unique crown-like markings on their heads. But despite their striking looks, they are in serious trouble.

• They are officially listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• Only 1,000 to 10,000 of them are believed to still be in the wild.
• They live in Madagascar, where they face major threats, including:
  • Deforestation—as forests are cleared for farming and logging.
  • Hunting—they are sometimes hunted for food.
  • The illegal pet trade—many are captured and sold as pets.

By bringing Bindi to YWP, the park is helping to raise awareness about these threats and support global conservation efforts.

How Yorkshire Wildlife Park is Making a Difference

Yorkshire Wildlife Park is much more than just a zoo—it’s a place where visitors can experience up-close encounters with endangered species while also supporting their survival.

At Lemur Woods, Bindi joins other lemurs, including Ring-Tailed Lemurs and Red-Bellied Lemurs. The woodland walk-through allows visitors to see these animals leaping through the trees, learning about their behaviours from rangers, and watching them at feeding time.

Beyond the park, YWP is committed to real-world conservation efforts. Through the WildLife Foundation, the park raises funds to protect lemurs in the wild. In 2023, rangers even travelled to Madagascar to assist with the Helpsimus lemur project, focusing on conservation, research, and local community support.

Visit Bindi and Support Conservation

If you’re planning a visit to YWP, make sure to stop by Lemur Woods to see Bindi and her new friends. While you’re there, you can also check out some of the other incredible animals at the park, including:

• Polar Bears
• Black Rhinos
• Giraffes
• African Painted Dogs

And if you want to turn your trip into a getaway, the Yorkshire Wildlife Resort offers a stay at The Hex Wildlife Hotel and a visit to The Yorkshire Hive, a shopping, dining, and entertainment hub.

Bindi’s arrival is more than just a cute addition to the park—it’s part of a bigger mission to protect endangered species. So next time you’re at YWP, stop by and say hello to Yorkshire’s newest (and possibly sassiest) lemur!